Since March 2024, a persistent bird flu outbreak has affected dairy cows, and with new updates, bird flu in milk has been causing a stir. The USDA, FDA, and CDC have reassured the public that there are no safety issues with the commercial milk supply. This is because bird flu in milk brands from affected cows is either redirected or destroyed to prevent it from reaching consumers.
Before milk is sold across state lines for human consumption, it undergoes pasteurization, which the FDA has verified effectively eliminates the virus, making it safe to drink. However, it’s important to note that raw milk could still carry the bird flu.
This article examines whether bird flu can be passed on through milk, the latest California “bird flu virus milk” update, and more. So, stick around!
What is The Bird Flu Virus?
Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is an infection caused by a virus that primarily affects birds and other animals. Occasionally, humans can contract bird flu from these infected animals. Like the flu strains people usually catch, bird flu can lead to serious illness. However, it rarely spreads from one person to another. You might hear about bird flu when a significant outbreak impacts many birds or other animals. It is alarming because it raises the chances of human infection, can harm wildlife, and might threaten the food supply.
Since 2024, there have been ongoing reports of human cases in the U.S. There are various subtypes of avian flu, with the recent human cases in the U.S. being linked to influenza A(H5). Historically, the most common subtypes that have infected humans include influenza A(H5N1) and influenza A(H7N9). The names of these subtypes are based on the specific proteins found on the virus’s surface.
What is Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza?
Highly pathogenic avian influenza, known as HPAI, is a serious form of bird flu that can lead to severe and often deadly illnesses in birds. Similar to other influenza A viruses, bird flu has two main proteins on its surface: hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). The bird population has 16 different HA types and nine NA types.
HPAI viruses specifically have either the H5 or H7 type of HA. While many H5 and H7 viruses are considered low pathogenic (LPAI) and result in less severe symptoms, certain strains like H5N1, H5N8, and H7N9 are classified as HPAI. Notably, H5N1 is the HPAI avian flu in cattle.
Can You Get Infected from “Bird Flu Virus Milk”?
It’s unlikely to get bird flu milk, mainly because of pasteurization. This process heats raw milk and other dairy products to a high temperature, usually around 161°F (72°C), for at least 15 seconds to eliminate harmful germs like viruses, bacteria, and any disease unpasteurized milk may contain. In a study [National Institutes of Health] from May 2024, researchers heated milk samples to 161°F for 15 seconds. They found that while the bird flu milk virus was significantly reduced, it wasn’t eliminated. Another study [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] from June 2024 confirmed these results, showing a notable decrease in the virus after just 5 seconds at that temperature, but some active viruses remained even after 20 seconds.
However, these lab conditions don’t perfectly mimic real-world pasteurization. To address this, a July 2024 study [National Institutes of Health] looked at 297 samples of grade A pasteurized milk from 132 processors across 38 states. They found the virus’s genetic material in 20.2% of the samples, but no infectious virus was detected. This indicates that pasteurization effectively kills the “bird flu virus milk”, making commercially available milk products safe to drink.
How is Bird Flu Passed From Cows To People?
In December 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 58 cases of bird flu in humans. Out of these cases, 31 were linked to contact with cows. So far, there haven’t been any reports of the virus spreading from one person to another. The individuals who caught bird flu from cows were mostly workers on dairy or cattle farms, and they got the virus by being in close contact with the animals, not from drinking milk.
“Bird Flu Virus Raw Milk” Found in California
Bird flu has been found in a batch of raw milk from Raw Farm, LLC, which was sold in some grocery stores in California. The virus was identified during tests on a specific batch of cream-top, whole raw milk from the Fresno County farm, leading to a voluntary recall. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) requested this recall on November 24, advising the public not to drink the raw “bird flu virus milk” from this lot, with a Best-by date of November 27.
According to the CDPH, no reported illnesses have been linked to this raw milk bird flu batch. Officials stated in a news release that out of an abundance of caution and due to the ongoing spread of avian influenza in dairy cows, poultry, and sporadic human cases, consumers should not consume any of the affected raw milk. Interest in raw milk is rising, with many supporters claiming it has health benefits.
Recently, Delaware, Iowa, and Louisiana have made moves to legalize the commercial sale of raw milk. Although raw milk is becoming more popular, federal officials have cautioned about bird flu, even after it has been refrigerated for five weeks. However, the likelihood of getting bird flu from raw milk remains low.
Raw Vs. Pasteurized Milk
Raw milk is milk that hasn’t been pasteurized. The push to relax restrictions on raw milk sales contradicts established public health recommendations that advocate for pasteurization to avoid foodborne illnesses. This practice began in the 1880s and is known for significantly reducing serious diseases like tuberculosis. Supporters of raw milk often claim that because it isn’t pasteurized or homogenized, it retains more nutrients, enzymes, and probiotics, and that even those lactose intolerant might be able to drink it.
However, these assertions clash with well-supported scientific evidence and industry standards. Raw milk is often portrayed as fresh, natural, and unprocessed, giving the impression that it is ‘safe,’ even though it carries a higher risk of foodborne illness. It’s important to note that raw milk isn’t always organic and can come from various animals, including goats and sheep. Misleading information has unfairly tarnished the reputation of pasteurization.
Pasteurized milk is simply raw milk that has been heated to eliminate harmful microbes. Established in the Standard Milk Ordinance of 1924, this method is a crucial food safety measure to prevent potentially life-threatening illnesses. The pasteurization process involves heating the milk to around 161 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 15 seconds before quickly cooling it to 39 degrees. Since raw milk hasn’t undergone this heat treatment, drinking it can expose people to dangerous pathogens, which can lead to serious health issues or even death.
How High Is The Risk?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) assures that the milk available for sale is safe to drink. They report that 99% of the milk sold in the United States has been pasteurized before it reaches consumers. However, drinking raw, unpasteurized milk can still pose health risks. For instance, a study [The New York Times] from May 2024 showed that mice got sick after ingesting raw bird flu milk. The FDA notes that there isn’t much research [American Medical Association] on whether bird flu can spread to humans through raw milk. Still, the CDC advises against drinking raw milk altogether.
This caution is due to the potential exposure to other dangerous bacteria, including:
- Listeria
- Salmonella
- Campylobacter
- E. coli
- Brucella
- Cryptosporidium
While pasteurization effectively eliminates the “bird flu virus milk”, additional precautions are taken to prevent human illness. The CDC, FDA, and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) actively monitor the impact of bird flu on cows. The USDA has stated that milk from cows infected with bird flu is removed from the commercial supply and destroyed.
Can You Prevent Getting Ill From Drinking Contaminated Dairy Milk?
Most milk sold in the United States is pasteurized to prevent illness from dairy products that might contain the bird flu virus.
If you’re not sure, here are some tips to help you:
- Check the label: Look for the word “pasteurized” on milk product labels. If it’s not there, the milk might be raw.
- Ask a clerk: A store clerk can help determine if a product is pasteurized.
- Be careful at farmers’ markets: Only buy milk products from farmers’ markets or roadside stands if you can confirm they are pasteurized.
Seasonal Flu Vaccine and H5n1 Bird Flu
Getting a seasonal flu vaccine helps protect against the regular flu, but it won’t stop H5N1 bird flu. However, people around sick birds or other animals should get the vaccine, and it’s best to do it about two weeks before exposure. This vaccine can lower the chances and seriousness of getting the seasonal flu. It lessens the rare opportunity of simultaneously getting both a human flu virus and a bird flu virus. If that happens, the two viruses could mix and create a new virus. Even though this is uncommon, it could lead to a new type of influenza A virus that might be a big problem for public health.
When To Seek Medical Assistance
The risk of bird flu for most people is low. Those who get it usually have been around sick birds or cows. If you’ve been near an animal, whether alive or dead, that might have had bird flu, you should contact your doctor if you start feeling unwell.
Symptoms to watch for include:
- A fever of 100°F (38°C) or more
- Chills
- Coughing
- A sore throat
- Headaches
- Body aches
- A runny or stuffy nose
- Trouble breathing
- Diarrhea
- Eye issues like redness or tearing
Tell your doctor you were close to an animal that could have been sick with bird flu. Also, eating raw milk products can make you sick, especially with food poisoning.
Call your doctor if you’ve had raw milk and feel symptoms like:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Fever
- Headaches
- Body aches
Conclusion: Is Milk Safe?
Officials from the government say that the chance of bird flu spreading to people is still low, but some experts think everyone should keep a close eye on it. Both government officials and experts believe that the milk we drink is safe since pasteurization eliminates the bird flu virus. They also mention that our beef is secure because of government inspections, but they still suggest cooking meat well and being extra careful with raw milk.
FAQ’s:
Can you get bird flu from milk?
There isn’t any solid proof that people can catch bird flu (H5N1) from drinking milk, even if it’s raw. Pasteurization kills the bird flu virus in cows milk, and although raw milk might have it, there’s no confirmed case of humans getting it just by drinking milk.
Does pasteurization kill bird flu?
Yes, studies [US Food and Drug Administration] by the FDA and real-life tests show that pasteurization successfully kills the H5N1 milk bird flu virus.
Is milk safe from bird flu?
Pasteurized milk is safe to drink. The milk you find in stores is secure because the pasteurization process kills harmful viruses, and any milk from sick cows is either thrown away or unused.
Can the virus spread through “bird flu cows milk”?
There is no proof that bird flu can be transmitted to humans via milk. However, if infected “bird flu virus milk” is consumed raw, it could spread the virus to animals like cows or cats.
How do cows get bird flu virus milk?
Cows will likely catch bird flu and produce avian flu milk by contacting sick birds through tainted feed or water or by spreading it from one cow to another, maybe through milking tools or milk droplets.
What are the symptoms of bird flu in cows?
Bird flu in cows symptoms include tiredness, lower milk output, and unusually thick or yellow milk. Most cows get better in a few weeks.
Is raw milk more likely to carry bird flu?
Raw milk is more likely to carry bird flu since it is not pasteurized. Research [PBS] has shown that raw milk from infected cows contains high levels of H5N1.
Has there been a bird flu milk recall in the USA?
In November 2024, California recalled raw milk from Raw Farm, LLC in Fresno due to the detection of H5N1. No illnesses were reported.
What precautions should consumers take regarding bird flu in dairy products?
Use pasteurized milk and dairy products. Avoid raw milk. Always check labels or ask about pasteurization when shopping at local farmers’ markets.
What is the connection between bird flu and avian influenza in dairy cows?
Bird flu and avian influenza refer to the same illness caused by the H5N1 virus. This disease mainly impacts birds but has recently been found in dairy cows, probably from wild birds. It can spread among cows, mainly through milk and milking tools.
“Bird flu in milk in 3 states” – what were the states?
The CDC reports that H5 bird flu cases have been found in California, Colorado, and Iowa. Some of these cases were linked to dairy herds.
